This lovely sword is a classic medieval longsword. It is not overly long, but solid and carefully crafted to bring its combination of speed and intention to the fore in a fight. The blade is a type XVIIIc which allows the gracefully curving edge to be supported by a stiff center ridge which tapers to the lethal point. A sword is always a good compromise of different characteristics, this is a great example of that.
The Towton Sword has a well chosen set of features that work together very well. The original maker of this sword knew its purpose and use well. The sword cuts and thrusts with exceptional ease in one or two hands. The length is comfortable in use and not so long as to be in the way on your belt or hanging from your saddle.
Today the sword has proven to be an exceptional cutter in training and competition for HEMA use. Its weight and speed provide excellent characteristics against cutting targets.
Towton sword with green grip
While the original this is based on is from the time of the Battle of Towton in 1461, a particularly bloody episode in the War of the Roses. This particular sword is not known to have been involved, though the men at arms fighting in this conflict would have been armed with swords of this type. This certainly could be described as a classic example of the 15th century longsword as well as a perfect piece for a warrior in any tale of fantasy fiction.
Engraving of Edward IV extolls his troops to fight their Lancastrian foes at the Battle of Towton (29 March 1461). This was first published in: Grant, James (1880) [1878] "Chapter XVI" in British Battles on Land and Sea, Volume 1
Here is a video describing our Towton Longsword, its abilities and how good it feels in the hand.
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985